K-State's 'Optimus' Klein wins Unitas Award

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas on Saturday in Manhattan, Kan.

TOPEKA, Kan. - The first of what could become multiple national honors came Collin Klein's way Monday when the Kansas State quarterback was named recipient of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Criteria for the award includes character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and athletic accomplishments.
"It's a tremendous honor," Klein said. "Anyone that is familiar with the game of football recognizes that name (Johnny Unitas). I'm just happy to represent Kansas State, our team and what we've been able to accomplish this season."
Klein is expected to be among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy when those choices are announced at 5 p.m. Monday. He also is nominated for the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien and Walter Camp awards.
"I do not know about everybody else, but I do not know of anybody that means more to his football team than Collin Klein," K-State coach Bill Snyder said. "He’s a very caring person, he’s a tremendous teammate, he’s been an excellent leader for us. Collin is a very humble young man and has had a lot thrust on his plate and has handled it extremely well with a great deal of poise and is always the first one to distribute the accolades that comes his way among his teammates. His teammates feel very strongly about him, as well.
"It’s impossible to find anything negative about Collin."
Klein won the Golden Arm Award over finalists Matt Barkley, USC; E.J. Manuel, Florida State; A.J. McCarron, Alabama and Geno Smith, West Virginia.
"Collin in not just a tremendous athlete and leader on the field but an MVP off the field, as well, who repeatedly has been recognized for his numerous contributions to the community and to the spirit of sportsmanship," said John C. Unitas Jr., president of the award foundation. "Collin joins a prestigious list of top quarterbacks who embody the characteristics that made Johnny Unitas such an enduring legend, including many who have gone on to illustrious careers in the NFL."
Past winners include Peyton Manning (1997), Carson Palmer (2002), Eli Manning (2003), Colt McCoy (2009) and Andrew Luck (2011).
Klein has completed 180 of 272 passes for 2,490 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 890 yards and 22 touchdowns for the No. 7 Wildcats (11-1), who play Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3 in Glendale, Ariz.